'No One Is A Minority...We Are Bangladeshis': Khaleda Zia's Son Tarique Rahman Calls For Calm, Immediate Polls

Bangladesh Crisis: Amid a rise in attacks on minority Hindus, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called for the protection of all citizens regardless of identity or religion.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, said on Wednesday that elections should be held immediately and power handed over to the elected representatives. Addressing a party rally virtually from London, he also called for unity and peace and ensuring the safety of people, irrespective of race, religion, and identity.

"A group is trying to destabilise the country. Let's all come forward to build a Bangladesh free from discrimination. If all the party leaders and activists remain united, no one will be able to harm the country," Rahman said at the Nayapaltan rally that he addressed as the chief guest, The Daily Sun reported. The rally was attended by thousands of party leaders and activists.

"There is a conspiracy to undermine the country's ongoing achievements. We must ensure safety for people regardless of religion, race, and identity to ensure everyone's safety," he said, adding: "You should stand as a shield and set an example, ensuring the safety of everyone, regardless of their religious identity." His comments come amid rising instances of attacks on the minority Hindus and temples in Bangladesh.

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Khaleda Zia Thanks 'Brave People In Do-Or-Die Struggle'

BNP leader Khaleda Zia, who had been in jail since 2018, was released hours after Sheikh Hasina resigned as the Prime Minister and fled the country.

In a video address, Khaleda said: "I have been released now. I want to thank the brave people who were in a do-or-die struggle to make the impossible possible." She said this "victory" could bring the country "back from the debris of plunder, corruption, and ill-politics".

In his video message posted on Facebook, which was played at the rally, Tarique Rahman said: "The joy of victory is magnified when the defeated are safe with the victors." He said that he had received reports of "undesirable incidents" in certain parts of the country, and urged everyone to "not seek revenge or retaliation against any individual or religion for religious or political reasons".

"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that minority communities are not harassed in any way. Do not express your anger at any religious place of worship... there is no need to consider anyone as a minority. In Bangladesh, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, believers, or non-believers, no one is a minority. We have only one identity: we are Bangladeshis."
He added: "Prove your greatness by showing that you are not just Awami League, but you are Bangladeshi."